Today marked the absolute end of one era and the beginning of another on the New Mexico West Mesa. With a heavy heart, we watched our old friend, “The Beast,” get hauled away. This wasn’t our plan for things to come, but nature had other plans. A brutal 15-minute storm completely totaled our RV, forcing us to adapt, pivot, and find a new way forward in the rugged high desert.
Saying a Bittersweet Goodbye to The Beast RV
I definitely cried seeing the Beast hauled off today. That RV was more than just a vehicle; it was the foundation of our off-grid sanctuary here at Plateau Hame de Colquhoun. It carried us through countless desert nights, high winds, and beautiful mornings framing Ladrone Peak. However, I am incredibly proud to say I was able to drive him one last time before the tow truck arrived, even if it was a very short drive down our dirt road.
Transitioning to the Music Studio: Our Temporary Off-Grid Home
When nature forces your hand, you have to find shelter where you can. We are officially spending our first nights sleeping inside the music studio. It is a tight squeeze and a massive transition, but it serves as our temporary home while we actively look for a replacement camper setup. Staring out at the incredible high-desert sunrise this morning helped remind us why we fell in love with this isolated landscape in the first place.
As we say goodbye to the past, we already have our sights firmly set on a replacement. We are looking for a new rig that we hope will help us create just as many—if not more—unforgettable memories under the New Mexico stars. Out here, the community keeps us moving forward.
How to Support the Mesa and Follow Our Journey
While we rebuild our physical footprint at Ka-Hoon Campground, our digital stage is still going strong. You can stay connected, support our off-grid survival journey, and listen to the soundtrack of the mesa by checking out our official hubs:
- Plan Your High-Desert Escape: Book a primitive campsite, support the Dusty Nail General Store, or join our community membership program at Plateau Hame de Colquhoun.
- Stream Independent Music: Listen to the original tracks that track our desert life, including the perfect song for today’s transition, “I Am… I Said,” at Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band.
- Catch a Live Broadcast: Join Colquhoun Entertainment for our weekly live streams on TikTok and YouTube, featuring “Morning Mirage” coffee chats and our flagship “Music in the Desert” live concert series.
What Kind of Camper Should Replace The Beast?
We want to hear from you, our incredible community of travelers, campers, and music fans. What kind of rig or overlanding setup do you think handles the 11 miles of dirt roads and intense weather of the West Mesa best? Leave a comment below with your best recommendations, tips for building an off-grid studio setup, or your favorite memories of The Beast!
